Description
Sweet Potato Sesame Balls are a delightful Asian dessert featuring a chewy mochi-like exterior made from mashed sweet potatoes and glutinous rice flour, filled optionally with sweet red bean paste and coated in crunchy toasted sesame seeds. These golden fried treats are perfect as a warm snack or dessert with a balance of natural sweetness and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 1/2 cups mashed sweet potato (orange-fleshed, cooked and cooled)
- 1 1/4 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons water (as needed)
Filling (Optional)
- 1/2 cup sweet red bean paste
Coating and Frying
- 1/2 cup white sesame seeds
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, glutinous rice flour, and sugar. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms, adding water gradually if the mixture feels too dry to handle comfortably.
- Shape the Balls: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. If using the red bean paste filling, flatten each dough portion in your palm, place approximately 1 teaspoon of red bean paste in the center, then fold and seal the dough around the filling to enclose it completely. Roll each ball gently between your palms to create a smooth surface.
- Coat with Sesame Seeds: Pour the white sesame seeds into a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball in the sesame seeds, pressing lightly so the seeds stick evenly onto the surface.
- Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep pot or wok, heat vegetable oil to 325°F (165°C). Ensure the oil is hot enough to properly fry the sesame balls without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the Sesame Balls: Carefully place the sesame balls into the hot oil in batches, frying for 4 to 6 minutes. Turn them occasionally using a slotted spoon to cook evenly until they puff up and turn golden brown.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried sesame balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to enjoy their best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use glutinous rice flour (also known as mochiko) to achieve the characteristic chewy texture.
- Serve sesame balls warm and fresh for the best taste and texture.
- Leftover balls can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
- Be cautious with oil temperature to avoid undercooking or burning the exterior.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
